Crowds at the Manor Pavilion left with a powerful message to live, laugh, love and dance as East Devon Dance Academy’s latest show drew to a close.

The school’s Triple Fantasy showcase ended on Saturday (April 1) and featured 450 talented dancers performing across two weeks.

The show opened with the James Bond theme Live and Let Die. Dancers looked like flickering flames in the well-staged number, featuring dramatic lighting, blazing costumes and synchronised choreography.

A collective ‘ah’ was sighed during the two performances of the pre-primary ballet group - dancing to songs from Tangled and The Lion King - showing signs of great promise for the academy’s youngest dancers.

In another crowd-pleasing number, the audience was transported to the circus with a clever mash-up of songs.

The performance also featured an impressive contortionist display from Aimee Deam, as well as ring masters, funky clowns and lions.

The mix of dance styles and variety of music made it a night for everyone and featured many standout dance numbers, including the decadent Send in the Clowns and atmospheric Romeo and Juliet Star Crossed ballet sequence.

Aside from the dancing, the show excelled in all areas from lighting to costumes.

There was never an awkward pause as volunteers expertly helped performers change, even if they had seconds to be back on stage for another routine.

The show ended with a celebration of dances from around the world and with many dancers performing in more than six numbers, the energy never faded.

Money raised from the raffle will be donated to Young Minds.